The Best Things to Do in Berat, Albania

Parking in Berat

We arrived in Berat late at night whilst some sort of event seemed to be wrapping up, and it took us half an hour to find a parking space near our guesthouse. It was the same the day we returned from the wine tastings, requiring several loops before we could find a spot.

So, if you’re on an Albanian road trip, be aware that most historic neighbourhood accommodations won’t have private parking or many options right outside their door (despite what their booking.com listings may say). Further, some guesthouses in the three historic neighbourhoods are simply not accessible by car, so will require a bit of a walk up the cobbles with your suitcase from the parking spots you do find.

If you want to avoid that, it’s not a bad idea to choose accommodation which offers confirmed, designated private parking, but that may mean a compromise and staying somewhere in the new town.

If in doubt, we recommend contacting your accommodation before arrival to clarify your options and work out where to put in your GPS.

In terms free parking options we did find in the old town, this car park was free but often full (maps) and there is also free on-street parking there and along the river, but it’s similarly difficult to get a free space. In Gorica, this car park (maps) charges about €2/day and is in a convenient location.

Do note that there are a few one-way streets, which will require you to do a loop if you aren’t lucky enough to find a space first time round. Traffic can also get quite clogged.

There were lots more free street parking spots by the park on Shetitorja Osumi street (maps), as well as two larg parking lots for vehicles and camper vans (maps): these may be the best option for anyone simply visiting Berat for the day and not wishing to waste time hunting for a space.

As mentioned, the castle neighbourhood actually has quite a bit more parking, and is ironically going to be much easier to access and park than the other two neighbourhoods. If you’re staying there you may be able to park right outside your accommodation as well (again, double check before arrival). We wouldn’t want to drive up and down the old cobble road any more than necessary though, so be aware than when leaving the castle, you don’t have to drive back down into Berat, but can instead take a different exit at the roundabout and get on the highway + to the vineyards or your next stop much sooner. This also means you can arrive into the castle without driving…